LTO: 10-year license now available in Regions I, II, III, IV-A and V

LTO offices outside Metro Manila now giving out 10-year DLs

We have some good news for those planning to get a 10-year driver’s license.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) recently announced that more offices in different regions of the Philippines will now be giving out 10-year valid driver’s licenses. Aside from Metro Manila, LTO offices in Region I, Region II, Region III, Region IVA, and Region V can now hand out driver’s licenses with 10-year validity.

Similar to Metro Manila, not everyone will be eligible for a 10-year driver’s license. Per the LTO’s requirements, only motorists without a prior traffic violation before they renew will be entitled to the extended license validity. If the person renewing has violations, the shorter 5-year license will be issued to them.

In areas where the 10-year driver’s license has been rolled out, motorists renewing their license will have to take the compulsory Comprehensive Driver’s Examination (CDE). For those unfamiliar, the CDE is a test found on the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) Portal. From our experience in taking the exam, 25 questions will be asked, and the passing rate is only 50% – that means a minimum of 13 correct answers. Pass the exam and you should be good to go. If the examinee does not pass, then they will have to retake it. 

Apart from the CDE, motorists will also have to take periodic medical checkups. Those with a 10-year driver’s license will have to take three medical checkups, during the 4th, 7th, and 10th years. Even drivers issued with a 5-year DL will also need to take a PME on their 3rd year. According to the LTO, the medical exam will see if drivers are still fit both physically and mentally to be behind the wheel.

Want to check if you're eligible for the LTO's new 10-year driver's license? Head over to the LTO Portal (portal.lto.gov.ph) and create an account.